Shelf supporting bracket

ABSTRACT

A shelf system including four vertical posts. Two side rails are removably mounted to the posts via hook-shaped ends that extend into slots provided on the vertical posts. A plurality of flanges extend inwardly and upwardly from the side rails and have projections to engage and support a shelf positioned there atop.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is in the field of shelf systems and more specifically, bracketry for supporting shelves.

2. Description Prior Art

Numerous shelving bracketry have been provided in an attempt to provide a sturdy shelf system. Nevertheless, shelves are notoriously known as being unstable that increases with the age of the shelf. The general concept of using embossments or detents to increase the strength of the bracketry is known and is shown, for example, in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,042,398; 3,283,467; and 4,074,812.

Many shelves bow when subjected to heavy loads. It is the practice to support shelves along their length by bracketry or rails. As a result, in certain instances, heavy loads placed atop the shelf may cause the bracketry or rails that support the edge portions of the shelf to rotate, thereby decreasing the structural integrity of the shelf system. As the rails rotate or bow due to heavy loads placed atop the shelf, gaps may develop between the shelf and the rails providing for free play between the rails and shelves in certain locations.

Disclosed herein is a shelf system having special bracketry for penetrating the shelf, thereby increasing the retention capability of the supporting rail relative to the shelf. The bracketry is located adjacent the opposite ends of the shelf and along the length thereof, thereby preventing or minimizing shelf bow and rail rotation. Inwardly projecting bracketry on the rails extend upwardly to contact and penetrate the bottom surface of the shelf.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a shelf comprising a pair of first posts with mutually opposed and aligned vertically extending slots, a pair of second posts with mutually opposed and aligned vertically extending slots, a first horizontally extending bracket with opposite ends extending into the slots of the posts removably holding the first bracket thereto, and a second horizontally extending bracket with opposite ends extending into the slots of the second posts. The first bracket and the second bracket each include mutually opposed and aligned flanges extending inwardly and upwardly, the flanges including distal end portions with projections located thereon. An object supporting panel extends between the first bracket and the second bracket and rests atop the flanges. The flanges contact the panel at the distal end portions with the projections penetrating into the panel, holding the panel on the first bracket and the second bracket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a shelf system incorporating the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the side rails for the shelf system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view taken at line 3-3 of FIG. 2 and viewed in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary side view of one of the hook-shaped ends of the side rail.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary top view of one of the distal ends of the rail of FIG. 2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, there is shown a shelf system 20 including four vertical posts 21, 22, 23 and 24 having removably mounted thereto a pair of side rails 25 and 26 for supporting a shelf or panel 27. The front edge 28 and rear edge 29 extend freely between the posts whereas the side edge portions are received atop, respectively, side rails 25 and 26. Each post has a plurality of vertically extending slots to receive the hook shaped ends of side rails 25 and 26. Each vertical post is composed of four perpendicularly arranged walls attached together forming a rectangular post cross section. The forwardly facing surfaces of walls 32 and 33 and of rear posts 22 and 24 have a plurality of vertically extending slots 80 extending therethrough that are aligned with the plurality of vertically aligned slots extending through the rearwardly facing walls 34 and 35 of the front posts 21 and 23.

Side rail 25 will now be described, it being understood that an identical description applies to side rail 26. Side rail 25 (FIG. 2) includes a horizontally extending main body having a pair of opposite hook-shaped ends 37 and 38. A plurality of inwardly extending flanges 39, 40, 41 and 42 are integrally formed from the main body of the side rail and extend inwardly and upwardly beneath the shelf or panel 27. While four such flanges are depicted in FIG. 2, it is to be understood that the present invention includes a side rail having more than or less than four flanges so long as flanges are located at least immediately adjacent the front and rear posts and also along the length of the side rail except at the mid-point of the side rail. In order to prevent bowing of the side rail due to excessive heavy loads placed on the shelf, it has been discovered that it is best not to locate the flanges at the mid-point 43 of the side rail and instead, place the flanges at the opposite ends of the side rail and at various locations between the mid-point and the opposite ends.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken through side rail 25 at the location of flange 40. Flange 40 (FIG. 2) includes a pair of arms 50 and 51 (FIG. 2) with spaced apart proximal end portions 52 and 53 integrally attached to the main body of the side rail. The opposite distal end portions 54 and 55 of the arms are integrally connected together. The flange arms of each side rail extend inwardly toward the opposite side rail. Each flange arm also extends upwardly at an angle with respect to horizontal, approximately 5° to 10°, locating the distal end portions at the uppermost portion of each flange, thereby contacting the bottom surface of the shelf at the location of the distal end portions. For example, arm 50 (FIG. 3) of flange 40 extends upwardly from its proximal end portion 52 to its distal end portion 54 at an approximate angle 60 relative to horizontal of 5° to 10°. Likewise, arm 51 extends upwardly at the same angle.

A projection or tit 61 (FIG. 3) is formed at the distal end portions of the arms and extends upwardly into shelf 27. The tit penetrates through the bottom surface of the shelf, thereby securely holding the shelf to the flange. Since the projection or tit is located at the juncture of the distal end portions of the flange arms 50 and 51, the tit and distal end portions are positioned at the uppermost portion of the flange thereby insuring contact with the shelf at the distal end portions. Tit 61 may have a cylindrical cross-section (FIG. 3) to fit in a complementary sized hole in the bottom of panel 27. Alternatively, tit 61 may have a conical configuration with a sharp top for extending into the flat downwardly facing surface of panel 27.

The main body of side rail 25 includes an outwardly extending top edge portion 70 and an inwardly extending bottom edge portion 71. The flanges 39-42 are located between top edge portion 70 and bottom edge portion 71.

Each side rail has a pair of opposite hook-shaped ends. End 38 of side rail 25 will now be described, it being understood that an identical description applies to the remaining hook-shaped ends of rails 25 and 26, except where noted.

End 38 has a recess 74 opening downwardly in the lower edge of the end. End 38 is sized to fit into a vertically extending post slot with the post side wall then fitting into recess 74. Thus, referring to FIG. 1, post 22 includes a plurality of vertically extending slots 80 formed in wall 32 and extending through the wall. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, end 38 of side rail 25 extends into slot 81 that is identical to slot 80. The height of end 38 is such that it will fit entirely into a slot. Thus, end 38 may be extended into slot 81 until the thickness of side wall 32 fits into downwardly opening recess 74 formed in the bottom edge portion 75 of end 38. The main body of the top edge portion 70 and bottom edge portion 71 terminates at edges 72 and 73 to prevent interference between the main body and the vertical post and allowing the hook-shaped end to be extended into the slot.

End 38 is identical to end 37 of rail 25 except end 37(FIG. 5) is bent so that the tip 83 extends outwardly away from bracket 39. Bent tip 83 facilitates the insertion of the hook-shaped end 37 into the slot of post 21. Further, since the main body of the side rail terminates a sufficient distance from the distal end of the hook-shaped end, the side rail may be pivoted or swung about a vertical axis as the distal end is inserted into the slot. Once end 37 is inserted into the slot of post 21, rail 25 may be swung back so as to be perpendicular with posts 21 and 22 and end 38 then inserted into slot 81. End 38 is not bent and is aligned and parallel with the main body of rail 24. Rail 26 is shaped identical to rail 25 and thus, the end of rail 26 inserted into post 24 is identical to end 37 having a bent tip whereas the end of rail 26 inserted into post 23 is not bent and is identical to end 38 of rail 25.

A plurality of embossments 86 extend horizontally and outwardly toward each distal end to strengthen the distal end. Further, embossments 86 are concave, opening inwardly thereby extending outwardly of the outwardly facing surface beneath the top edge portion 70 (FIG. 3). Embossments 86 engage the vertical edge of the slot once the distal end is inserted into the slot thereby reducing the amount of play between the vertical post and the distal end portion. The embossments interferingly engage the post when the hook-shaped ends are located in the slots in the event the side rail becomes slightly cocked. Thus, the thickness of the main body of the side rail, including the embossments, is just slightly less than the width of the slot.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. 

1. A shelf system comprising: a first vertical front post having a plurality of vertically aligned and vertically extending slots; a first vertical rear post having a plurality of vertically aligned and vertically extending slots aligned with slots of said first front post; a second vertical front post having a plurality of vertically aligned and vertically extending slots; a second vertical rear post having a plurality of vertically aligned and vertically extending slots aligned with slots of said second front post; a first horizontally extending shelf supporting bracket extending between and removably connected to said first front post and said first rear post; a second horizontally extending shelf supporting bracket extending between and removably connected to said second front post and said second rear post, said first bracket and said second bracket have inwardly extending support flanges located therebetween, said flanges having upwardly extending tits; and, a shelf removably positioned atop and supported by said flanges with said tits extending into said shelf and holding said shelf to said first bracket and said second bracket.
 2. The shelf system of claim 1 wherein: said flanges have proximal ends attached to said first bracket and said second bracket with said flanges extending upwardly therefrom.
 3. The shelf system of claim 1 wherein: said first bracket has flanges each with a first main body with a first pair of arms, a first pair of proximal end portions and a first pair of distal end portions, said first pair of proximal end portions connected to said first bracket with said first pair of arms then extending inwardly and upwardly toward said first pair of distal end portions, said first pair of distal end portions connected together, said second bracket has flanges each with a second main body with a second pair of arms, second pair of proximal end portions and a second pair of distal end portions, said second pair of proximal end portions connected to said second bracket with said second pair of arms then extending inwardly and upwardly toward said second pair of distal end portions, said second pair of distal end portions connected together, said tits are located at said distal end portions of said flanges of said first bracket and at said distal end portions of said flanges of said second bracket.
 4. The shelf system of claim 3 wherein: said first bracket and said second bracket have opposite hooked shaped ends extending removably into said slots of said first front post, said first rear post, said second front post and said second rear post to secure said first bracket and said second bracket thereto.
 5. The shelf system of claim 4 wherein: said first bracket and said second bracket include a plurality of flanges with tits extending into said shelf adjacent each post and therebetween.
 6. The shelf system of claim 5 wherein: said first bracket and said second bracket include outwardly extending top edge portions and inwardly extending bottom edge portions that extend longitudinally thereon.
 7. The shelf system of claim 6 wherein: said first main body and said second main body are formed from said first bracket and said second bracket and are integrally therewith; and, said first main body and said second main body are located between said inwardly extending top edge portions and said outwardly extending bottom edge portions
 8. The shelf system of claim 7 wherein: said first pair of arms and said second pair of arms extend upwardly with respect to the horizontal at an approximate angle of from five to ten degrees.
 9. The shelf system of claim 6 wherein: said shelf extends between said outwardly extending top edge portions and said bottom edge portions.
 10. The shelf system of claim 9 wherein: said flanges are located adjacent said posts and along the length of said first bracket and said second bracket except at the midpoint thereof.
 11. A shelf system comprising: a first vertical front post having a plurality of vertically aligned and vertically extending slots; a first vertical rear post having a plurality of vertically aligned and vertically extending slots aligned with slots of said first front post; a second vertical front post having a plurality of vertically aligned and vertically extending slots; a second vertical rear post having a plurality of vertically aligned and vertically extending slots aligned with slots of said second front post; a first horizontally extending shelf supporting bracket extending between and removably connected to said first front post and said first rear post; a second horizontally extending shelf supporting bracket extending between and removably connected to said second front post and said second rear post, said first shelf bracket and said second shelf bracket have inwardly extending support flanges located therebetween, said flanges having upwardly extending tits, said first bracket and said second bracket each having length with a midpoint; and, a shelf removably positioned atop and supported by said flanges with said tits penetrating into said shelf and holding said shelf to said first bracket and said second bracket, said flanges are located adjacent said posts and along said length of said first bracket and said second bracket except at said midpoint thereof.
 12. The shelf system of claim 11 wherein: said first bracket has flanges each with a first main body with a first pair of arms, a first pair of proximal end portions and a first pair of distal end portions, said first pair of proximal end portions connected to said first bracket with said first pair of arms then extending inwardly and upwardly toward said first pair of distal end portions, said first pair of distal end portions connected together, said second bracket has flanges each with a second main body with a second pair of arms, second pair of proximal end portions and a second pair of distal end portions, said second pair of proximal end portions connected to said second bracket with said second pair of arms then extending inwardly and upwardly toward said second pair of distal end portions, said second pair of distal end portions connected together, said tits are located at said distal end portions of said flanges of said first bracket and said second bracket.
 13. The shelf system of claim 12 wherein: said first bracket and said second bracket include inwardly extending top edge portions and outwardly extending bottom edge portions that extend longitudinally thereon.
 14. The shelf system of claim 13 wherein: said shelf extends between said outwardly extending top edge portions and said bottom edge portions.
 15. A shelf comprising: a pair of first posts with mutually opposed and aligned vertically extending slots; a pair of second posts with mutually opposed and aligned vertically extending slots; a first horizontally extending bracket with opposite ends extending into said slots of said first posts removably holding said first bracket thereto, a second horizontally extending bracket with opposite ends extending into said slots of said second posts removably holding said second bracket thereto, said first bracket and said second bracket each including mutually opposed and aligned flanges extending inwardly and upwardly, said flanges including distal end portions with projections located thereon; and, a object supporting panel extending between said first bracket and said second bracket and resting atop said flanges, said flanges contacting said panel at said distal end portions with said projections penetrating into said panel and holding said panel on said first bracket and said second bracket.
 16. The shelf of claim 15 wherein: said opposite ends are hooked shaped and included embossments located thereon to interferingly engage said posts when located in said slots limiting movement of said opposite ends relative to said posts; said first bracket and said second bracket including outwardly extending top end portions and inwardly extending bottom end portions extending lengthwise thereon but terminating prior to said opposite ends limiting contact between said posts and said top end portions and said bottom end portions.
 17. The shelf of claim 16 wherein: said panel is held between said outwardly extending top end portions and said bottom end portions. 